VIDEO: Capito Introduces Former WVU President Gee at Commerce Hearing on NIL

To watch Senator Capito's questions, click here or the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, participated in a hearing entitled, "Protecting College Sports: Supporting Student Athletes, Restoring Fair Competition, and Saving the Game Fans Love." This hearing featured five witnesses including Dr. E Gordon Gee, President Emeritus of West Virginia University. Marion County-native, Coach Nick Saban also served as a witness.

Senator Capito's introduction as prepared for delivery:

"Good morning.

"I'm excited to participate in this hearing today for many reasons, but most importantly because we have two great West Virginians on the witness panel - one honorary, and one born and raised in Marion County.

"The first being Dr. E. Gordon Gee and the second, Coach Nick Saban.

"Thank you both for being here, and for your dedication and influence on college athletics in West Virginia and our nation.

"I'd also like to thank Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for giving me the opportunity to introduce Dr. Gee, a champion for college athletics, who has made a profound impact at my state's trademark public land-grant higher education institution West Virginia University.

"Dr. Gee - or Gordon as we call him - was born in Utah and attended the University of Utah, but he is quick to mention that he is a 'born again West Virginian,' having served as the president of WVU not once, but twice, with his signature gold and blue bowties.

"Gordon has experience having served as president of five different universities throughout his career, including: University of Colorado, Ohio State University (also twice), Brown University, and Vanderbilt University - in addition to WVU.

"Gordon carried a long list of academic accomplishments and achievements into his retirement from WVU last summer, but we're here today on a topic that I know remains central to Gordon's focus and identity: college athletics.

"Gordon has long been quick to recognize that on-field success translates to the overall wellbeing and health of an institution - saying often that: 'Athletics is the front porch of the university… the place where people look at us and decide whether or not they want to walk through the front door.'

"He has served as the Big Twelve Conference's Representative to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers, as well as Chair of the Big Twelve Conference Board of Directors Executive Committee.

"As Gordon navigated WVU through the challenges and complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a leading voice in maintaining the 2020 College Football season, saying that WVU would be playing football that fall 'even if I have to suit up myself.'

"Gordon's vast experience in this field will enhance the perspective of our members as we discuss ways to protect college sports and support our athletes.

"He is battle-tested in this arena, and understands factors that jeopardize the future of college athletics as we know them and the impacts they make far beyond the field of play.

"In a recent op-ed, Gordon noted that when it comes to the current state of college athletics: 'There is so much at stake. The future of the Olympics. The rise of women's sports. The opportunity for young people to earn a scholarship, compete for something greater than self, and become tomorrow's leaders.'

"I look forward to hearing from Gordon about how he sees Congress's role in preserving this crucial aspect of our society, and thank him for being a witness at today's hearing."

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